Forest Service Cabins

Forest Service Rental Cabins

The Forest Service has 5 cabins for rent. Several are available year-round, but in the winter may require a cross country ski
trek to access. During the summer all are accessible by vehicle. Reservations can be made from 4 to 180 days in
advance of your first night's stay through Recreation.gov. Besides making reservations, renters must check in
with the appropriate Forest Service office to obtain a permit, keys, and up to date information on conditions.

The larger cabins can sleep up to 20 people. Most cabins have piped water and electricity, at least in the summer,
but some are rather primitive with outhouses and no water. None allow smoking or pets inside the buildings.

Harvey West Cabin

Located on the Silver Fork of the South Fork of the American River, the Harvey West Cabin can accommodate up to 20 people. The
cabin is open only in the summer. Reservations may be made 180 days in advance of your first night at
the cabin. The cabin is not available on Monday nights due to maintenance and cleaning. Pets are not allowed inside.

The Harvey West Cabin was built in the early 1930s by the Sacramento Box and Lumber Company as an office and recreational
facility. Later it was purchased by Harvey West, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist, and used as a summer
retreat for his family.

Cabin Amenities

Propane lights, heat and appliances

Hot and cold water

Two levels, great room, dining room, kitchen, wood fireplace

Kitchen area with propane stove and oven, propane refrigerator, basic pots and pans and utensils

Loon Lake Chalet

Located on the shore of Loon Lake, the Loon Lake Chalet can accommodate up to 20 people. The
chalet is open year-round. Reservations may be made from 4 to 180 days in advance of your first night at
the cabin. Pets are not allowed.

The chalet was built by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) in 1989 and is owned and operated by the U. S.
Forest Service. The first floor is used by the Ski Patrol. The second floor is open for day use as a warming hut on winter weekends.
Renters have the use of the loft and the second floor, but during the day (9 AM to 3 PM) on winter weekends the second floor
is open to the public, and renters must move their belongings into the loft during those hours.

Robbs Hut

Robbs Hut is a backcountry cabin on Robbs Peak near Union Valley Reservoir. The cabin is next
to Robbs Peak Lookout, which is still used occasionally by the Forest Service during emergencies. The lookout
is open to the public during the summer. The nearby cabin, which sleeps up to 6 people, is rented year-round.

During the summer most passenger vehicles can access the hut via a 3-mile dirt road off Ice House Road.
In the winter renters must make the 3-mile trip on cross country skis or snowshoes. The elevation gain is about
1,000 feet. It is not recommended for
beginning skiers.
The cabin is at 6,686 feet and offers great views of the Crystal Range in the Desolation Wilderness.

Cabin Amenities

Gas fireplace for heat, propane lights

Kitchen range with oven, cleaning supplies

3 sleeping platforms, mattresses, wool blankets

No water, electricity or garbage service

Outside BBQ and picnic table, vault toilet building

Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Robbs HutRenters must contact Pacific Ranger District in Pollock Pines at to arrange for permit, access, check-in, and find out current conditions. You will be given the combination to the facility at that time. (530) 647-5415
Fees: $65 per night
Forest Service Website: Robbs Hut

Sly Guard Cabin

The Sly Guard Cabin is located on Sly Park Road near Jenkinson Lake. The 600-square foot, 1-bedroom cabin has room for 4 to sleep indoors,
but can accommodate up to 12 people by sleeping some outside in tents or an RV.
The cabin is available from June to mid-October. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance of your
first night there. The cabin is closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance. Pets are not allowed inside.

The cabin was constructed in the early 1940s by the Forest Service as living quarters for the Sly Park Rangers or guards.
Sly Park Environmental Education School is located across the street. Guided daily nature walks are conducted on the trail adjacent to the cabin.

Cabin Amenities

Electricity, wood stove, propane wall heater

Hot and cold water, bathroom with flush toilet and shower/tub combo

Kitchen with microwave, electric stove and refrigerator, and basic pots, pans and utensils

Van Vleck Bunkhouse

The bunkhouse sits at the edge of a 40-acre meadow with views of Tells Peak and the Crystal Range. It sleeps
up to 6 people and is open year-round. The cabin is 23 miles north of Highway 50 on Ice House Road and then
an additional 5 miles on Tells Creek/Cheese Camp Road. It is at an elevation of 6, 549 feet. Pets are not allowed inside the building.

During the winter access is limited to snowshoes or cross country skies
via a 5.5 mile, ungroomed trail from the Van Vleck Trailhead near Loon Lake.
It is not recommended for beginning skiers or snowshoers, and winter travelers are advised to always carry proper equipment
to allow them to camp overnight in the snow if required.

The bunkhouse was constructed in 1957 as part of the Van Vleck Ranch, a cattle ranch from the 1860s through the
1960s. The bunkhouse was acquired by the Forest Service in 1997 and renovated for public use.

View from the Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Cabin Amenities

Propane lights and gas log stove

Hot and cold water, bathroom with flush toilet and shower (during the winter water is available only for the
flush toilet and bathroom sink - no hot water)

Sleeper sofa, bunk bed, bedroom with queen bed

No electricity

Kitchen with propane stove and oven, basic pots, pans and utensils

Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Van Vleck BunkhouseRenters must contact Pacific Ranger District in Pollock Pines at 530-647-5415 to arrange for permit, access, check-in, and find out current conditions.
Fees: $75 per night
Forest Service Website: Van Vleck Bunkhouse

Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible
for misprints, errors or changes that may have occurred since publication.
Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that
may have been made.